Taste of Chicago Showcases Two Auburn Gresham Restaurants
Ernest Sanders
Published: July 7, 2008
Several thousand people enter the Taste of Chicago and partake in many delicious foods.
Ernest Sanders
The 2008 Taste of Chicago, affectionally known as the Taste proved to be another success story for the City of Chicago. Unofficial numbers suggest that more than 3.5 million festivalgoers attended this year’s 10-day food extravaganza.
In their tenth consecutive year, BJ's Market & Bakery again provided succulent food items to include their famous and mouth-watering Mustard-Fried Catfish, Honey-BBQ Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Chips, and Peach Cobbler.
Despite a change in location, BJ's Market & Bakery attracts many hungry patrons.
Ernest Sanders
The Sweet Potato Chips really seemed to be a hit as many festivalgoers were seen snacking on them going from booth to booth.
According to owner John Myers, "Through today, we estimate that our sales have remained somewhat consistent with last year’s. Meyer says he believes the sales were consistent because of a change in booth location this year. BJ's was positioned just west of the intersection of Columbus and Congress Parkway.
Lagniappe Creole and Cajun Joynt's third year at the Taste proved most beneficial. Proprietor, Mary Madison said, “We are blessed. Business has been incredible. We have had such a good response by many hungry patrons this year.” Lagniappe menu items included: Crawfish Boil, Catfish Po’Boy, Chicken and Waffles, and the scrumptious Beignets.
Through this last day of the Taste, Madison estimates that her restaurant has sold more than 10,000 pounds of Beignets, 12,000-15,000 pounds of Chicken and Waffles, 4,500 pounds of Crawfish Boil, and several thousand pounds of the Catfish Po’Boy.
Lagniappe definitely has a following of festivalgoers who have an appetite for creole and cajun foods.
Ernest Sanders
Madison noted that the Catfish Po’Boy replaced the Jambalaya from last year. While sales were good with the Jambalaya, Madison wanted to give food patrons another reason to visit their restaurant in Auburn Gresham. Madison also confirmed rumors that Lagniappe will open their 2nd location near the Chicago River later this year.
One of the Taste’ newest vendors is a stone throw away from Auburn Gresham and a long standing restaurant, Soul Vegetarian. In their first year, restaurant manager, Yoanna Israel said she was thrilled about the opportunity to provide festivalgoers with tasty healthy vegetarian choices.
“I am really happy and excited to be able to share healthy living with millions of people. When people are able to eat healthier, then they are able to have healthier lives. Our food items here at the Taste and in our restaurant give our customers the opportunity to make healthier food choices for themselves.”
A gentleman purchases Soul Vegetarian signature menu item, Vegetarian BBQ Twist.
Ernest Sanders
Israel noted that Soul Vegetarian sold several thousand pounds of their menu items. They included their signature Vegetarian BBQ Twist, Battered Cauliflower, Veggie Gyros, and Vegan Sweet Potato Pie.
Special thanks should be given to the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office of Special Events for coordinating this 28th annual event. Their efforts certainly inspire other neighborhood Taste events, including Auburn Gresham’s own 79th Street Renaissance Festival, on September 6, 2008.
Click here for more information on Auburn Gresham's 79th Street Renaissance Festival.
Posted in Community Highlights